Five Eastern Cape school rugby players received Sharks Academy bursaries following the conclusion of the Standard Bank Kearsney College Easter Festival in Durban over the long weekend.

The five players, all belonging to schools in the Eastern Cape, set the scene in the 10th annual edition of the Kearsney Easter Festival, and as a result were awarded the accolades to join the Sharks Academy in 2018, where their rugby attributes will be harnessed for future development and professionalism.

The scholars are all currently in Matric at their respective schools, and will join the Academy in their first year out of school (2018).

The most former, Fassi, was already awarded the Sharks Academy Bursary last year, but could only take up the offer this year for 2018’s stint, as last year he was still in Grade 11.

The offer includes a contract with the Academy, paid-for accommodation, and a tuition bursary with one of its education partners with the value of over R100 000 each.

The festival saw various schools from all around the country take part, with locals Glenwood High, HTS Drostdy from the Boland and Gauteng powerhouse, Monument from Krugersdorp, polishing the Festival as the only unbeaten school sides.

Hoerskool Noord-Kaap from the Northern Cape, however, won the Standard Bank Trophy for the most attractive rugby displayed at the festival.

Head of the Sharks Academy, Etienne Fynn, expressed at the Awards handover of the versatility and dynamics of the assortment of schools who took part in the 10th annual milestone of the festival.

“The competition out there increases each year, so it’s a reflection on the standard of this festival that many of the schools keep returning,” said Fynn.

“Noord-Kaap brought an outstanding brand of rugby. Monument was abrasive and direct; Glenwood rugby is smooth and well-oiled. Dale came with their usual verve and Framesby showed great character,” he added.